Questions Mount Over NCPG Legitimacy Following Kalshi Partnership

The National Council on Problem Gambling faces mounting questions about its legitimacy after naming prediction market operator Kalshi as the first member of its new Financial Services & Trading vertical. Almost three months on from the announcement, criticism has come from state lawmakers, gaming regulators and current and former affiliates. A July 28 letter from Minnesota state Sen. John Marty to NCPG executive director Heather Maurer called the arrangement an “unholy alliance” that undercuts the organization’s mission.

Josh Ercole, executive director of Pennsylvania’s Council on Compulsive Gambling and an active NCPG affiliate, told Gambling Insider the relationship has triggered widespread discussion. “There’s just so much going on right now, with uncertainty about the legitimacy of the national council and them taking the $2 million from Kalshi,” Ercole said. “It’s creating a whole bunch of interesting discussions.”

Criticism From Regulators and Affiliates

Concerns center on the size of Kalshi’s $2 million contribution over two years, which exceeds standard membership fees. Observers noted it dwarfs the $15,000 annual platinum-level fee and the $100,000 charged for leadership circle membership. Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director Henry Williams previously withdrew the board from NCPG membership and canceled its sponsorship of the 2026 conference, held July 21-23. Williams stated that Kalshi’s efforts formed part of a strategy “to remake the gambling industry by bulldozing countless regulations and the consumer-protection safeguards” enacted by states.

The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling sent its own letter to Maurer in May, citing questions over organizational neutrality and consumer protection frameworks. Trey Delap, Nevada executive director, later confirmed the split. Both organizations have since removed references to each other from their websites. Ercole also pointed to ongoing complications from the NCPG’s helpline changes, including a shift to 1-800-MY-RESET amid a dispute with the New Jersey affiliate that controls 1-800-GAMBLER. Many state groups continue using the older number, creating mixed messaging at conferences.

NCPG Response to Concerns

In a statement to Gambling Insider, Maurer described prediction markets as the “latest evolution of gambling-like platforms” and “functionally gambling.” She said the NCPG must adapt as the landscape changes and “go where the risk of harm is.” Maurer added that anyone who profits from gambling has an ethical obligation to mitigate harm, and prediction market operators should not be exempt. The organization has launched a Financial Trader Health & Safety Initiative to address blurred lines between investing and gambling. Maurer said the NCPG takes affiliate concerns seriously but its first responsibility is to respond to current harm, noting that the helpline is already receiving calls related to prediction markets.

Reporting: Gambling Insider

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